With the introduction of the Microsoft Store, it is quite easy to play all sorts of games on your PC. However, for some people, it can be hard to navigate the way through.
In today’s post, we’ll discuss how you can play Microsoft games on your laptop/PC in easy steps. Moreover, we’ll also go over some important FAQs.
Quick Summary
The following topics will be covered by the end of this post:
- Guide to play Microsoft games
- Important tips and FAQs
Let’s jump right into it.
Microsoft Games and How to Play Them
Over the past few years, Microsoft has established itself as a giant distribution platform. It happened right after their rebranding of Xbox and Xbox Game Pass service.
Now you can access all the Xbox exclusive and PC games on the Microsoft store. Moreover, it also provides the feature to filter games based on their genre.
Let’s check out the process in detail.
Create a Microsoft Account
Before you can access anything related to Microsoft games, a Microsoft account is a necessity. Unlike other services, Microsoft games only work with their respective email.
You can create a Microsoft account from their Mail app. On the other hand, you can also go to their main website to create an account.
Which method is faster?
Both options are viable and take equal time for completion. It comes down to your personal preference.
Install the Microsoft Store App
For the next step, you’ll have to install the Microsoft Store app. In most cases, your Windows OS will already have a version of it installed.
Simply use the search option in the taskbar and find the Microsoft Store app. Once you find it, select the update prompt and get the latest version of the app.
Login Your Account
After the app is updated, it’s time to log in with your Microsoft account. It will ask you to verify your account through multiple steps.
Simply follow these steps and it will integrate the app with your Microsoft account. You can then access the store in its entirety.
Open the Games Category
Now, after your account is fully operational, the next thing to do is open the games section of the store. This is because the store contains various other services.
Once you open the Games category, most of the unrelated content will be removed. It 58generally makes the navigation part easy.
Filter the Games
Once your window loads after the refresh animation, you can then further filter the games based on multiple things.
It has filters for price, performance, genres, and age group. Moreover, you can also filter games based on their availability on PC.
Install the Game
For the next step, you have to add games to your library. You can only download/install a game if it is in your digital library.
Simply click on the ‘Add to Library’ or ‘Download’ button and the game will automatically register in your Microsoft library.
Do the games automatically download?
Before Microsoft downloads a game, it will prompt a confirmation window. If you close it, Microsoft will not download the game.
Moreover, the prompt also requires you to specify a root directory for the installation. You can also choose a default download location in the settings.
Launch the Game
Once the download is complete, you can launch the game and play it. Microsoft games can be launched via three different methods.
You can either launch them from the desktop icon, Microsoft store, or the app tray in the Windows menu.
This is all you need to know to play Microsoft games on your PC.
Pros and Cons of Microsoft Games
Even though Microsoft has put a lot of effort into its distribution platform, it still has some basic advantages and disadvantages. Let’s check them out:
Pros of Microsoft Games
- Multi-platform titles
- Completely integrated
- Demos and age-restricted content
Cons of Microsoft Games
- Limited Xbox titles
- Requires a fast internet connection
Alternatives for Microsoft Games
You also use other distribution platforms to play Microsoft games. Let’s check these alternatives one by one.
STEAM
For the first alternative, you can use the STEAM store to access a wide variety of single and multiplayer games. It is currently the largest digital distributor in the market.
Another plus point of the STEAM store is its versatile genres. You can filter games based on gameplay, playstyle, game modes, and other categories.
Does the STEAM store have free games?
STEAM has a separate category for free games. You can simply select the category on the STEAM client or the main website to explore it.
Other than that, you can also get limited free versions of AAA titles on the weekends. STEAM offers a 3-day playable period for these titles.
Epic Games
Next up, we have the Epic Games store. It is a direct competitor of STEAM in terms of platform layout.
You can find all the new AAA titles on this platform. Moreover, Epic Games also provides lifetime free accessibility to numerous AAA titles.
What sort of free titles can I get from Epic Games?
There is a weekly rotation of free titles. Sometimes it contains titles from AAA studios and some weekends feature Indie titles.
Recently, they had GTA V from Rockstar Studios on the free weekly rotation.
Origin
Lastly, we have the Origin platform powered by Electronic Arts. You can find all the EA titles, old and new, on this platform.
The list includes titles from FIFA, NHL, Madden, NFL, and NBA franchises. Moreover, you can also play demos for future titles.
What other games can I play on Origin?
Other than the sports genre, you can also access games developed with EA’s collaboration.
The list includes Battlefield, F1, Apex Legends, The Sims, Star Wars, and Mass Effect franchise.
Are there any free games on Origin?
Compared to other distributors, Origin doesn’t offer any free games. You can get these games at a cheaper price during seasonal sales.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I play Xbox exclusives on PC?
Since the integration of Xbox Game Pass, you can play every single game available through Game Pass on your PC. It includes Gears of War, Commandos, Assassin’s Creed, and many more.
Do I need Xbox Game Pass to access Microsoft Games?
You don’t need Xbox Game Pass to access Microsoft Games. Xbox Game Pass is recommended but it isn’t necessary. Microsoft Games is completely separate from the Game Pass. Both include unique games and services.
Do I need controllers for Microsoft games?
Almost every single game available on the Microsoft Store is playable with just a mouse and keyboard. You don’t need special controllers to play it.
Wrapping Things Up…
This brings us to the end of our guide on How to Play Microsoft Games. We hope you can use this information to your advantage.
Microsoft Games offer a wide variety of interesting titles for all age groups. You can simply access it from the system tray and jump into a world of immersive games.
Do let us know what you think in the comments below.
